Who can open an account and what the prison allows
You can open a bank account for an inmate, but the inmate themselves must authorize it and sign the paperwork. Most banks will not open an account without the account holder's signature, even if you are a family member or legal guardian. The inmate has to be the one requesting the account.
Prison and jail systems have different rules about what accounts inmates can hold. Some facilities allow inmates to have accounts with outside banks; others restrict inmates to the prison's internal commissary system only. Before you do anything else, contact the facility's business office or commissary department and ask whether outside bank accounts are permitted. If they are not, the inmate can only receive money through the prison's own deposit system, which you can usually fund by mail, phone, or online transfer.
Even when outside accounts are allowed, many facilities monitor or restrict which banks inmates can use. Some prisons have agreements with specific banks or money transfer services. Ask the facility which banks they work with or allow.
Key Takeaways
- The inmate must sign all account paperwork themselves; you cannot open an account in their name without their signature.
- Contact the facility's commissary or business office first to learn whether outside bank accounts are permitted at that location.
- Many prisons restrict inmates to the facility's internal commissary system, which you can fund by mail, phone, or online transfer without opening a separate bank account.
- If outside accounts are allowed, the facility may limit which banks the inmate can use.
- The inmate will need a valid ID and proof of the facility address to open an account; most banks accept a commissary statement or facility letter as proof of residence.
How the inmate applies for an account
If the facility permits outside bank accounts, the inmate requests an application from the facility's commissary office or business office. Some facilities provide applications on-site; others require the inmate to request one by mail or through a commissary order form. The inmate fills out the application, signs it, and either mails it to the bank or gives it to facility staff to mail on their behalf.
The inmate will need to provide a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or state ID) and proof of their current address. A commissary statement, facility letter, or inmate identification card usually serves as proof of residence. Some banks accept a letter from the facility's business office on official letterhead confirming the inmate's name and the facility address.
The inmate should expect the account opening to take two to four weeks from the time the application is mailed. Some banks are faster; others move slowly with incarcerated applicants. The inmate should not expect to receive a debit card or checks. Most banks issue a basic savings account with limited features—deposits only, no card, no online access from inside the facility.
Sending money to an inmate's bank account
Once the account is open, you can deposit money by electronic transfer, check, or money order, depending on what the bank accepts. Ask the inmate for their account number and routing number so you can set up a transfer. Many banks allow ACH transfers (the same system used for direct deposit), which typically take one to three business days.
Some facilities charge a fee when money is deposited into an inmate's account, or they may require deposits to go through the facility's commissary system instead of directly to the bank. Confirm with the facility whether deposits to the bank account are allowed and whether any fees apply.
If the facility does not permit outside bank accounts, you will need to use the prison's deposit system. Most facilities accept deposits by mail (send a check or money order to the facility's cashier or commissary office with the inmate's name and ID number), by phone (call the facility's commissary line with a credit or debit card), or through a third-party money transfer service like JPay, Securus, or GTL. These services charge fees—usually $2 to $5 per transaction—but deposits are often available to the inmate within 24 hours.
What happens to the account if the inmate is released
The account remains open after release unless the inmate or the bank closes it. The inmate can use the account normally once they are out—withdraw money, set up direct deposit for a job, or use it like any other bank account. There is nothing special about the account after release; it is a standard bank account.
If the inmate is transferred to a different facility, the account may need to be updated with the new facility address. Contact the bank to confirm whether the address change affects the account or whether any paperwork is needed.
Banks that work with incarcerated people
Not all banks open accounts for inmates. Some large national banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase) may open accounts depending on the facility and the inmate's prior banking history. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies. Smaller regional banks and banks that specialize in serving people with limited banking history may be more willing to work with incarcerated applicants.
The facility's commissary office can tell you which banks they have worked with in the past or which banks have agreed to serve inmates at that location. This is the fastest way to find a bank that will actually open an account rather than calling banks cold.
Some facilities have partnerships with specific financial institutions. For example, some state prison systems have agreements with particular banks or credit unions. Ask the facility directly whether they have a preferred bank or a list of banks that have agreed to serve inmates.
What to do if the bank denies the application
Banks can deny an account application for several reasons: prior banking problems (overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts in bad standing), no prior banking history, or a policy against serving incarcerated people. If the inmate's application is denied, ask the bank for the specific reason in writing.
If the reason is prior banking problems, the inmate may be able to resolve the issue by paying off old debts or waiting for negative marks to age off their banking history. If the reason is a blanket policy against incarcerated applicants, try a different bank or use the facility's commissary system instead.
The inmate can also ask the facility whether they have other banks or financial institutions they recommend. Some facilities maintain a list of banks willing to work with inmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money into an inmate's account without their permission?
No. You need the inmate's account number and authorization to deposit money. If you send money to the wrong account or without permission, the bank will not process it. Always confirm the account number with the inmate first.
What if the inmate has bad credit or a criminal record?
Banks do not usually check credit for basic savings accounts, and a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone. However, prior banking problems (unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts) can cause a denial. If the inmate has prior issues, some banks may still open an account, but others will not.
Can the inmate access the account from inside the facility?
No. Inmates do not have internet access or phone access to check balances or make transfers. The account exists so you can deposit money and the inmate can withdraw it after release or during a visit to the commissary office (if the facility allows it). The inmate cannot manage the account from inside.
What if the facility does not allow outside bank accounts?
Use the facility's commissary system instead. You can send money by mail, phone, or online through a third-party service. The money will be available to the inmate in their commissary account, usually within 24 hours, and they can spend it at the prison store or canteen.
Does the inmate need a Social Security number to open an account?
Yes. Banks require a Social Security number to open any account. If the inmate does not have one or has lost their number, they can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. The facility's business office can usually help with this process or provide information on how to request one by mail.